Christine LaValley, Amherst Reception

Christine LaValley (she goes by “Chris”) has been the receptionist extraordinaire at Northampton Area Pediatrics for almost 20 years, and she is primarily known  to the families who use our Amherst office. She shared her perspective on the changes at Northampton Area Pediatrics, what she loves about the job, and a few personal interests as well!

What do you like best about working at NAP?

I enjoy seeing moms and their children and I have gotten to know many of them over the years.  I like the kids. I also enjoy the quick pace and working with my co-workers.

How has the office change through the years?

I’ve seen us move from making appointments on cards to going to at least three upgrades on the computers.  When I began, there were Doctors Kenny, Bissell, Bartlett, McKinnon and Chabot.  We were in the same location in Northampton (on Locust Street), but the building was a lot smaller.  Since then, there have been multiple additions.

I’ve also seen a second office bloom – I started out in Northampton behind the front desk and worked there for seven years.  Then I moved to the Hadley for about 2-3 years (when NAPs second office opened up), but then we relocated to our current Amherst location on University Drive.  I have always been a receptionist and worked at the front desk.

What are your interests outside of the office?

NASCAR, which I have been following for ten years. I root for number 24. “Go Jeffy!” I love going to the races with friends and my husband.

I also knit, which I’ve been doing for 5 years. Dr, Bartlett was my inspiration.  Watching her knitting encouraged me to learn. I’ll never be able to knit like her, but she was my inspiration.  I’m not sure if she knows that.

I go camping every weekend from April 1st through end of October.